Welcome! How exciting that you’ll be joining us here in the great Pacific Northwest city of Portland! You’re in for an experience of a lifetime and we’d like to help make it an easy, enjoyable transition. To that end, we’ve compiled this resource just for you.

 

About Portland, Oregon

Portland is Oregon’s largest city. It straddles the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and is known for its many bridges. The Rose City is also famous for craft breweries (the most per capita in the world) and creative doughnuts. In addition to its foodie reputation, Portland lays claim to a comprehensive range of arts and culture and outdoor opportunities and amenities.

 

By The Numbers & The Quirks

For the data and demographics lovers out there, check out these facts and figures:

  • Size: 133.4 square miles
  • Metro area and city populations: 2.523 million people and 654K, respectively
  • Median age: 37
  • Female-to-male ratio: 100:97.9
  • Average household annual income: $90K
  • Median rent per month and house cost: $1,187 / $383,600, respectively
  • Days of rain/year: 154.5
  • Average annual temperature range: 32.5℉ to 81.1℉
  • TV shows and movies about or filmed in Portland: Portlandia, Shrill, Stumptown, I, Tonya, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
  • Pro sports teams: Trail Blazers (NBA basketball), Timbers (MLS soccer), Thorns (WMLS soccer), Thunder (AFL football), Winterhawks (WHL hockey)
  • Notable comic book talent: Alex Ross, Brian Micheal Bendis, Greg Rucka, Matt Fraction, Gail Simone

[source1][source2][source3][source4][source5]

 

The People of Portland

Portlanders are often associated with being creative, outdoorsy types who’re really into environmentalism and social activism. That’s a pretty broad brushstroke that’s not quite accurate.

Being such a stellar place, Portland attracts all kinds of people with all sorts of interests and backgrounds. You’ll find a full spectrum of thriving commerce and vibrant communities. As new people move in, it’s just getting more diverse and interesting.

Sunny Fall picture of the Hawthorne Bridge in Portland, Oregon

 

Portland’s Interesting Neighborhoods

Portland’s got personality — lots of it! Each part of town has its distinct features and flair. This means there are bound to be ideal neighborhoods for you to live and play in.

Here are some of the more popular or notable. They’re all jam-packed with restaurants, bars and cafes, live music, shops, galleries and street art, and so on. Now, it’s up to you to find out which ones have a bohemian vibe versus a contemporary feel or nature-inspired rhythm.

    • Alberta Arts District
    • The Pearl
    • Hawthorne
    • Division
    • Nob Hill
    • Mississippi

 

Things To Do & See In & Around Portland

You will never run out of ways to keep yourself occupied. As a major west coast city, Portland and its environs offer tons of recreational, entertainment, educational, and relaxation possibilities.*

 

In Town

You have a lot of options practically at your doorstep. Most of these activities are even accessible by public transportation.

  • Sightsee. Take the aerial tram up to OHSU for terrific panoramic views — especially on clear days. Or just wander around the eclectic Portland neighborhoods discovering their hidden gems.
  • Eat, drink and be merry. Taste your way through the food truck pods that dot the city. Sample some yummy donuts or ice cream. Wash all that chow down with a local IPA, kombucha, or coffee.
  • Go shopping. It isn’t hard to keep the local economy thriving with all the cool stores and shopping districts.
  • Get lost in Powell’s Books. This iconic hometown shop is adored by more than just book lovers. It’s worth a visit!
  • Stroll through greenspaces. The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are perennial hits, but the lesser touted parks and botanical grounds are lovely, too.
  • Expand your mind. There are several fascinating museums that cover everything from art to science. The zoo’s great, too (even at the holidays, when it’s decked out with colorful light displays).
  • Attend festivals. Every year there are fun street fairs, food and music exhibitions, and wacky events (like the World Naked Bike Ride and UFO Festival).

 

Further Afield

If day-tripping or weekend getaways are your thing, this is a fantastic spot to be in. All these activities and places are highly accessible — by car — to folks living in this region and looking for a break from their urban oasis.

  • Hiking, biking, watersports, goat yoga 
  • Wine tasting and produce picking
  • Scenic drives such as the Columbia River Highway
  • Attractions like the hot springs, Bonneville Lock & Dam, Fort Vancouver, Mount St. Helens
  • Quaint little towns like Hood River, Stevenson, Cascade Locks, and Camas.
  • The Coast
  • Destinations like Ashland, Bend, Seattle, Spokane, Walla Walla, Leavenworth, Victoria, and Vancouver (BC)

Mount Hood over Portland Oregon city

 

Relocation Made Easy, With West Coast Moving & Storage

You know your new life in the Portland area is going to be a great adventure. Thankfully, making it happen doesn’t need to be agonizing. West Coast Moving & Storage has you covered.

As local-area movers for over two decades, we know all the neighborhoods and a thing or two (hundred) about moving. Let us help you make your relocation successful. We take care of all the logistical details and heavy lifting so you can concentrate on important things like which artisanal brew or boutique donut to try first.

Reach out today for a free consultation.

 

 

* COVID-19 Disclaimer: Some of these events, activities, and places may currently be closed, canceled, unavailable, inaccessible, or otherwise altered due to the pandemic. We recommend you check each one prior to setting out for your fun and adventure to make sure it’s a “go.”